If they do lose the Frenchman then Cesc Fabregas is top of the replacement list as the club are well aware of his availability and desire to stay in London.

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Cesc Fabregas looks certain to leave Chelsea in the near future

Reuters

Dimitri Payet could be on his way out of West Ham as top European clubs chase the play maker

Reuters

Fabregas has been linked with AC Milan but they have bulked at his wage demands

The Hammers do not want to expose themselves by replacing Payet with a player with no experience of the Premier League as they know that could really hinder their chances this season.

With fans on the clubs back about the move from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium they know their relationship with the supporters could become volatile if they sell their best player and replace him with someone not of the same quality.

Rarely does a player of Fabregas's talent come around to often and he represents the ideal player the club would need to ease the pain of losing Payet.

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Dimitri Payet is adored by West Ham fans but he may be on his way out of the club

West Ham are on high alert after Payet gave an interview to a French TV station saying:

''Leave in January? I’m asking other questions but I’m not closing the door to anything. It’s always the sports project that interests me. I work like that and until I play at a level like this, it will be the case.''

Two years ago Chelsea wouldn't have dreamed of selling the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder but the 29 year old has become surplus to requirements under new coach Antonio Conte.